Cuban oregano is a member of the mint or deadnettle family. As such, it has characteristic thick, fuzzy leaves with a strong pleasing odor. Leaves are grayish green and finely haired and saw-toothed at the edges. Flowers are borne in panicles and may be white, pink, or lavender.
What is the difference between Cuban oregano and oregano?
Cuban Oregano Overview
Cuban oregano isn’t actually oregano, or even mint, thyme, or borage. It is an herb that is perennial in tropical regions but most commonly grown as a container plant elsewhere. It has fragrant, velvety leaves edged in white, and trumpet-shape flowers in pink, white, and lavender.
Does Cuban oregano taste like regular oregano?
Description/Taste
The leaves are green and serrated along the edges, though some varieties have a variegated color and more deeply-toothed margins. Cuban oregano has a strong, pungent and musky aroma, with a flavor profile that is similar to traditional Italian oregano with a hint of thyme.
Are Cuban and Mexican oregano the same?
Mexican oregano is not the same as Cuban oregano. The two herbs come from different plants and have different flavor profiles. The leaves of Cuban oregano have a scent that is a mixture of oregano, thyme, and turpentine. The flavor of Cuban oregano is similar to oregano, but with a stronger mint flavor.
Why is it called Cuban oregano?
Contrary to its name, Cuban oregano (plectranthus amboinicus) does not originate from Cuba, but it rather added to “jerk” seasoning blends, salsas, and bean dishes for local cuisines in Cuba, Philippines, and India. However, its smell closely resembles that of true oregano, giving off a strong menthol or camphor scent.
Can Cuban oregano be eaten raw?
On the Indian subcontinent, the leaves are used as a main ingredient in chutney, and enjoyed raw on bread with butter. The leaves are also popular as a wine or beer flavoring, and are even eaten fried for a flavorful, crispy snack. Honestly, fried Cuban oregano sounds pretty delicious.
Which variety of oregano is best?
Greek oregano
Its best known variety is Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare var. hirtum). Sometimes known as true oregano or Italian oregano, this is the familiar herb used on pizzas and in tomato sauces. Outdoors, it does best in zones 5 to 10 and should be planted in a sunny spot with well-drained soil.
What is Cuban oregano used for?
Culinary use
The fresh leaves are best. They can be used in a salad or put in a blender with other ingredients for a marinade, pesto, or salsa. It even neutralizes the heat of hot peppers to some degree. Cuban Oregano is used as an ingredient in stuffing, in soups & stews, and to flavor black beans.
Does Cuban oregano repel mosquitoes?
Less mystical and more practical, Cuban oregano can be used to keep mosquitoes away. Just rub the leaves on the skin as a natural insect repellent.
Is Cuban oregano bitter?
At least, that’s what I thought until I actually tasted the variegated variety. It’s watery and bitter, with a bit of a sour flavor.
Where does Cuban oregano grow?
Transplanting from Outdoors
Fill an eight to 12-inch container that has drainage holes and a drainage dish with well-draining potting mix. In the yard or garden, find the central stem of your Cuban oregano plant and mark a spot in the soil about six inches away from the stem.
Is there a difference between Mexican oregano and regular oregano?
Regular oregano is an Italian and Mediterranean spice with minty undertones. It matches perfectly with dishes from that region. You will commonly find it added to pasta sauces, grilled meats and pizza. Mexican oregano has lemon and citrus flavors as well as some tones of licorice.
Is Cuban oregano invasive?
Prune and shape to keep it tamed – Cuban Oregano’s habit, while not invasive at all, can be somewhat sprawly. Cuban Oregano won’t survive a winter outdoors here, but protected in a container over the winter, may survive to thrive again. This herb is a winner!
Does Cuban oregano have seeds?
Planting Cuban Oregano by Seed
Keep moist until germination. Ensure that the spot or container receives full sun to partial shade. The seeds will germinate between 21 to 28 days. After the seeds germinate, and with true leaves, thin seedling 8 to 12 inches apart.
Is Cuban oregano toxic to dogs?
Although this spice is not very toxic, it may still cause intense digestive disturbances in your pet, including vomiting and diarrhea. It has also been known to cause more serious side effects in some rare cases, such as decreased heart rate, low blood pressure, and ulcers in the gastrointestinal tract.
How do you store Cuban oregano?
Your herbs will dry in 2 to 3 days; fleshier herbs, like Cuban oregano, will take longer. Once herbs are dry, store them in your pantry or out of direct light in airtight freezer bags or any airtight jar. Don’t pre-crumble herbs.
Are there different types of oregano?
Oregano Varieties
- Common Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare.
- Syrian Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum syriacum.
- Greek Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare subsp.
- Golden Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum vulgare ‘Aureum’
- Ornamental Oregano. Scientific Name: Origanum sp.
- Italian Oregano.
- Sweet Marjoram.
Where does the best oregano come from?
The two types of oregano are even native to different parts of the world: True oregano is native to most temperate climates in western and southwestern Europe and Asia, as well as most Mediterranean countries, while Mexican oregano comes from (surprise, surprise) Mexico, Guatemala, and some parts of South America.
Which is better Greek or Italian oregano?
Greek oregano tends to be the most savory and earthy, while Italian is milder and Turkish is more pungent. Used fresh or dry, Mediterranean oregano is the choice for dishes from this region, tomato sauces, pizzas, grilled meats, and other dishes with strong flavors.
Should you let oregano flower?
Oregano leaves taste best before the flowers bloom but the flowers are also edible and they’re great for attracting bees, butterflies and lots of other pollinating insects to your garden.
Which oregano is used in pizza?
The classic oregano which can be sprinkled on your Pizza, Pasta to give it an authentic Italian flavor. Oregano can be sprinkled on roasted, fried or grilled vegetables to maximize its flavor.
Justin Shelton is a professional cook. He’s been in the industry for over 10 years, and he loves nothing more than creating delicious dishes for others to enjoy. Justin has worked in some of the best kitchens in the country, and he’s always looking for new challenges and ways to improve his craft. When he’s not cooking, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and son. He loves exploring new restaurants and trying out different cuisines.